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Evidence · Home and contents insurance

Every question, every answer, every source

Explore all 372 home and contents insurance questions and the 1,476 answers saved on 11 October 2026. Read the original responses and download the tables behind the study’s comparisons, sources, sentiment and factual checks.

questions
372
answers saved, of 1488 planned
1476
consumer situations
12
named regions
16
AI platforms
4

01

Every question, with its answers

Each question went to the four AI platforms. All were collected with a New Zealand setting. Open a question to read every captured answer in full.

Showing 20 of 372 questions

Show all 372

02

The tables behind the study

Every figure on the study page comes from these tables. They are CSV files, which open in any spreadsheet.

  • Questions

    questions.csv

    One row per question, with its exact saved wording.

    Question ID, source references, question, consumer situation, named regions, question group and collection setting

    372rows

    Download questions (CSV)

  • Answers

    answers.csv

    One row per captured answer, with its full text.

    Answer ID, question ID, platform, collection setting, consumer situation, named regions and full answer

    1,476rows

    Download answers (CSV)

  • Sources by answer

    sources.csv

    One row per website recorded as a source of an answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, assistant, collection setting, website and publisher type

    9,014rows

    Download sources by answer (CSV)

  • Checks against primary sources

    checks.csv

    One row per stated assertion checked, for one platform.

    Check, question and answer IDs, assistant, exact passage, verdict, primary-source finding, URL and date

    97rows

    Download checks against primary sources (CSV)

  • Consumer recommendation coding

    consumer-recommendation-coding.csv

    One row per reviewed provider role in a consumer-selection answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, consumer, platform, provider, role, counted recommendation, exact passage and conditions

    659rows

    Download consumer recommendation coding (CSV)

  • Consumer selection membership

    consumer-selection-membership.csv

    One row per answer in the matched consumer-selection comparison.

    Answer ID, question ID, consumer, platform, question group and full text; twelve home and twelve contents selection questions, with missing captures preserved

    94rows

    Download consumer selection membership (CSV)

  • Ongoing support coding

    support-coding.csv

    One row per reviewed named-provider role in an eligible support answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, consumer, platform, provider, role, support-preference decision and exact passage

    75rows

    Download ongoing support coding (CSV)

  • Ongoing support membership

    support-membership.csv

    One row per answer in the actual consumer-support group.

    Answer ID, question ID, consumer, platform, question group and full text; acquisition validation is excluded

    71rows

    Download ongoing support membership (CSV)

  • Regional recommendation coding

    regional-recommendation-coding.csv

    One row per reviewed provider role in a region-named selection answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, named consumer region, platform, provider, recommendation decision and exact passage

    1,017rows

    Download regional recommendation coding (CSV)

  • Regional selection membership

    regional-selection-membership.csv

    One row per answer in the matched regional comparison.

    Answer ID, question ID, named consumer region, platform and equal-comparison membership; four home and three contents platform answers per region

    112rows

    Download regional selection membership (CSV)

  • Insurer sentiment

    insurer-sentiment.csv

    One row per unique saved claim about an insurer in a selection answer.

    Claim, question and answer IDs, insurer, saved stance, exact passage and original-answer offsets

    3,828rows

    Download insurer sentiment (CSV)

  • Recorded source URLs

    source-urls.csv

    One row per recorded answer, website and URL association.

    Answer ID, question ID, platform, website, URL, source records and presence in the captured answer text

    13,048rows

    Download recorded source urls (CSV)

  • Matched consumer platform membership

    platform-membership.csv

    One row per answer in the identical-question platform comparison.

    Answer ID, question ID, product, consumer and platform; 22 identical questions per platform

    88rows

    Download matched consumer platform membership (CSV)

  • Matched regional platform membership

    regional-platform-membership.csv

    One row per answer in the identical-question regional platform comparison.

    Answer ID, question ID, product, region and platform; 31 identical questions per platform

    124rows

    Download matched regional platform membership (CSV)

Use these tables to trace findings back to the original questions and answers. The full text of each answer is also on this page, under its question.

03

Read in full and checked

Some answers were read in detail or checked against official sources. Those appear on the study page, beside the findings they support.

ChatGPT · New Zealand

I'm looking for house insurance in Wellington. Which insurers should I look at?

For house insurance in Wellington, New Zealand, I’d start by getting quotes from AA Insurance, AMI, State, Tower, AMP and MAS, then compare their cover rather than choosing on price alone. Wellington’s earthquake exposure, hillside properties and potential landslip risks make the policy wording particularly important.

Insurers worth comparing

These are a good starting shortlist, not a definitive ranking of the best insurers for every Wellington property. Consumer NZ and MoneyHub both provide useful comparison resources for the New Zealand market. House and contents insuranceCompare Wellington House Insurance Policies & Costs

AA Insurance

A useful mainstream option to quote for building cover and optional contents insurance.

Get a quote

AMI

Worth comparing alongside other major insurers, particularly if you want to bundle house and contents cover.

Get a quote

State

Another established provider to include in your comparison; check the specific policy limits and excesses.

Get a quote

Tower

Worth checking for a competitive quote and comparing its natural-disaster cover and excesses with the others.

Get a quote

AMP

Include it as another price comparison; check current availability and eligibility for your property.

Visit AMP

MAS

An additional option to investigate, especially if you qualify for its products and services.

Visit MAS

Initio

An online-focused option worth checking, particularly if you prefer managing a policy digitally.

Get a quote

What matters most for a Wellington home

When comparing quotes, I would focus on these five things:

  • Earthquake cover: Understand what the insurer covers, how the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake scheme interacts with your private policy, and what excesses apply.
  • Landslip and retaining walls: Ask specifically about damage from landslips, slope instability, retaining walls, driveways and accessways. Don't assume every type of land damage is covered.
  • Rebuild cost: Insure for the cost of rebuilding the house, not its market value. Include demolition, debris removal, professional fees and any special construction requirements.
  • Excesses: Compare the standard excess and any separate earthquake, natural-hazard or other event-specific excesses.
  • Property eligibility: Tell the insurer about any known foundation issues, previous damage, unconsented work or relevant land instability. Get written confirmation of any important cover conditions.

Wellington-specific quotes can vary considerably. MoneyHub's April 2026 comparison, for example, found substantial differences between providers for its example Wellington property. Those figures aren't a prediction of your own premium. Compare Wellington House Insurance Policies & CostsHow to get the best house and contents insurance

For independent comparisons, start with Consumer NZ's house insurance guide and MoneyHub's Wellington insurance comparison.

Let’s narrow down the best options for you

The most useful next step is to understand the property you're insuring.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand

I'm looking for house insurance in Wellington. Which insurers should I look at?

When looking for house insurance in Wellington, it helps to know that the market has unique challenges due to earthquake risks, land topography, and varying insurer appetites. Major insurers operate across New Zealand, but their willingness to cover specific Wellington properties—and their pricing—can vary significantly.

The main providers and options to look at include:

1. Major Insurer Groups (Sum Insured Models)

Most major providers operate under a Sum Insured model, meaning you choose a fixed maximum payout limit for a rebuild. Because Wellington carries a higher seismic risk, premiums here tend to be higher than the national average.

  • IAG Brands (AMI, State, and NZI): State and AMI are very common choices with robust policy options (including features like temporary accommodation and gradual damage limits).
  • AA Insurance: Frequently cited by homeowners for competitive mainstream pricing and strong customer service ratings.
  • Tower: Known for quick online quoting and flexible sum-insured options, though availability or pricing can fluctuate depending on the specific Wellington suburb.
  • AMP: Offers comprehensive policies with helpful add-ons like "SumExtra" (which can provide a buffer if rebuild costs exceed your sum insured under certain conditions).

2. Specialist or Alternative Providers

  • MAS (Medical Assurance Society): Distinct because they offer area replacement coverage (paying full rebuild costs even if they spike significantly), rather than strict sum-insured limits. Note that MAS membership historically stemmed from specific professional groups, though eligibility rules have broadened over time.
  • Initio: An online-focused independent insurer that often caters well to trickier properties or provides fast, transparent digital quotes.

Key Tips for Wellington House Insurance:

  • Check the Earthquake/Natural Hazard Excess: Wellington policies often carry higher excess amounts for earthquakes (sometimes calculated as a percentage of the sum insured rather than a flat fee). Read the fine print carefully.
  • Calculate Your Sum Insured Accurately: Underinsurance is a major risk. Use professional calculators (like Cordell Sum Sure or Cotality) to estimate true Wellington rebuild costs, factoring in local labour, materials, and hillside site access if applicable.
  • Shop Around & Use Brokers: Because some mainstream insurers occasionally restrict new policies in certain high-risk Wellington suburbs, getting multiple direct quotes is essential. If you run into roadblocks finding cover, consider consulting an independent insurance broker (such as Rothbury, Aon, or Gallagher) who can source policies across multiple local and international underwriting markets.
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand

I'm looking for house insurance in Wellington. Which insurers should I look at?

AI Overview

In Wellington, finding house insurance requires a strategic approach because the region is New Zealand's most expensive area for home coverage due to earthquake and landslide risks. Average premiums sit around $4,700 to $5,500+ per year.

Because major direct insurers use risk-based pricing, quotes vary dramatically based on the exact address, the house's build date, and structural factors.

Direct Insurers to Look At

If you want to manage policies online and get direct quotes, start with these top nationwide providers:

  • MAS (Medical Funds Society): Highly recommended for Wellington character homes. Unlike most providers who use a fixed "Sum Insured" cap, MAS is one of the only insurers offering Area Replacement Cover , which guarantees a full rebuild based on square meterage rather than a set dollar limit. (Note: Anyone can join MAS; you do not need to be a medical professional.)

  • Tower Insurance: Awarded Canstar's Home & Contents Insurer of the Year. They offer tiered products (Standard, Plus, and Premium). They utilize highly specific address-level data, meaning pricing can fluctuate vastly between hillsides and flat land.

  • AA Insurance: Known for strong customer satisfaction metrics and offering extra "cushioning" like a 20% buffer above your sum insured if your house is destroyed by fire. They also provide 24/7 access to emergency tradespeople via AA Home Response.

  • AMI & State: Both part of the IAG group (New Zealand's largest insurance entity). AMI offers an open-ended rebuild policy for non-natural events (like fire), while State includes unique benefits like lifestyle block fencing options and up to $50,000 for retaining walls under its comprehensive tier.

  • Initio: A challenger digital provider backed by NZ underwriting. They are a great choice if you are looking for swift online quotes or if the Wellington property is a rental or multi-unit layout.

Comparison of Core Coverage Types

Insurer Key Feature Valuation Model
MAS Ideal for character homes Area Replacement (Full rebuild based on size)
Tower Tiered policy options Sum Insured (Fixed dollar limit)
AA Insurance 20% fire buffer & home trade response Sum Insured (+ extra fire buffer)
AMI Complete fire replacement rebuild Sum Insured (+ unlimited fire rebuild)
Initio Seamless online platform for rentals/homes Sum Insured

Alternative Option: Use a Local Insurance Broker

If direct insurers refuse online quotes due to high landslips, earthquake zones, or older building materials (e.g., pre-1935 character homes), use a licensed Wellington broker. They access commercial markets that the public cannot reach directly. Highly rated local options include:

  • ** Rothbury Insurance Brokers Capital City** (Lambton Quay)

  • HLS Insurance (Te Aro)

  • Caveo Insurance (Te Aro) Find an insurance broker in Wellington - MoneyHub NZ

Tips for Wellington Buyers

  1. Request a Builders Report Early: Direct insurers frequently require a clean structural/builders report before issuing a policy for properties on steep Wellington hillsides or older builds.

  2. Bundle to Save: Most insurers offer substantial multi-policy discounts if you move your car, contents, and house cover to the same provider.

  3. Opt for a Higher Excess: Because baseline premiums are high across the capital city, scaling your voluntary excess up (e.g., from $500 to $1,000 or $2,000) can immediately lower your recurring payments.

To narrow down the best choices for you, could you tell me:

  • What suburb is the property located in?

  • Roughly what year was the house built?

  • Is this a standalone home , townhouse , or apartment?

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand

I'm looking for house insurance in Wellington. Which insurers should I look at?

When shopping for house insurance in Wellington, it is wise to compare major providers operating across New Zealand while keeping Wellington's specific risk profile (such as earthquake and high-wind exposure) in mind.

Major House Insurance Providers in New Zealand

  • AA Insurance: Frequently rated well for customer service and offers standard comprehensive policies that work alongside the government-backed Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC).

  • State Insurance: A well-established brand in the New Zealand market with extensive experience covering urban residential properties.

  • AMI: Another major nationwide insurer offering flexible sum-insured and policy options for homeowners.

  • Tower Insurance: Known for digital-friendly policy management and progressive approaches to risk-based pricing.

  • FMG (Farmers' Mutual Group): Highly rated by consumer advocates (such as the Consumer NZ People's Choice Awards), though they traditionally focus heavily on rural and provincial risks alongside select residential properties.

Important Considerations for Wellington Properties

  • Natural Hazards and Earthquakes: All residential building insurance policies in NZ include government-backed NHCover (via the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake) for the first $345,000 (incl. GST) of earthquake or natural disaster damage. Private insurers then top this up to your full sum insured. Given Wellington's seismic activity, check how each insurer handles earthquake excess (which is often a percentage of the claim rather than a fixed dollar amount).

  • Location and Geotechnical Risks: Wellington's topography means high exposure to wind, and specific properties may carry higher risk profiles for landslips or coastal/flood hazards. Insurers increasingly look at granular, property-specific hazard data when setting premiums or accepting new business.

  • Using a Broker: If you find the market difficult to navigate or your property has unique risk factors (age, location, or steep slopes), local options like Caveo Insurance or Aon Wellington can help shop the market and source tailored residential cover.

If you'd like, let me know:

  • The approximate age and construction type of the house (e.g., weatherboard, brick, concrete)
  • Whether the property has any specific land or slope risks

I can give you more targeted tips on what policy details to look out for.

AA Insurance

Is my home covered for earthquakes and other natural hazards?

NHCover provides a maximum cover of $345,000 (incl GST) for residential buildings. If a natural hazard damages your home, the NHC ...

Google

Aon Wellington

At Aon Wellington, we draw on our local expertise and access the industry’s best insurance products and services to make sure that...

Google

Caveo Insurance - General Insurance Brokers

Responsive insurance brokers managing residential and commercial policies.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026